Hong Kong drivers demand fuel tax cut amid soaring oil prices
By Channel NewsAsia's Hong Kong Bureau Chief Roland Lim | Posted: 10 June 2008 2014 hrs

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HONG KONG : Hundreds of Hong Kong truck drivers on Tuesday joined a chorus of protests across Asia over the rising price of fuel, crippling traffic.

Truck, coach and mini-bus drivers from as many as 20 organisations are asking the government to throw them a lifeline.

The transport and logistics industry claims it has been crippled by a 25 percent surge in fuel prices this year, raising the sector's operating costs by some 4 percent. They are demanding a waiver of fuel tax in order to ease their burden, possibly saving them some HK$3,000 (US$390) a month.

Hundreds made their way to Government House, demanding a face-to-face meeting with Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang.

It was a tense standoff between police and protesters, with further action threatened if their demands are not met.

"We are suffering from the government's policy so we want to declare what is happening, and (voice our dissatisfaction) about the government policy," said Dobbie Cheng, spokesperson for the Fuel Price Concerning Transportation Joint Conference.

There have been similar protests across the world - including Europe, Nepal, Malaysia and India - where rising fuel price is causing distress to those whose main cost is the cost of fuel.

Bus passengers in Hong Kong this month will have to dig deeper into their pockets, with a 7 percent fare hike. But bus operators complained that the fare hike is insufficient, as rising fuel prices have raised their operating costs by some 20 percent.

The flag-fall fare for taxis was also increased recently and talks are underway for more to come. - CNA /ls